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Vision - Mountain In The Sky

1980s Christian rockers Vision re-release their iconic ‘Mountain In The Sky’ as a re-mastered ‘Collectors Edition’, containing two extra tracks by Billy Powell and Leon Wilkeson which are testimonies from Leon and Billy sharing about the difference God has made in their lives.

Vision was formed in 1983 with Rocco Marshall on vocals and soon had the considerable talents of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s bassist Leon Wilkeson and piano player Billy Powell under their wing. In 1984 the band released their 9 track self titled album which was eventually to become ‘Mountain In The Sky’. With no distribution or promotion, this rare album has become much sort after and can demand a high price.

Born out of 70s classic and progressive rock, the album proves testament (no pun intended) to the skills and artistry of a band of accomplished musicians. The album has a hint of Kansas, Journey and inevitably southern rock, the latter in no small way down to Powell and Wilkeson. There are also huge references to the progressive rock bands of the 70s with their intricate guitar and keyboard exchanges and complex time signature changes. The rock ballad style of ‘Fight The Good Fight’ and ‘Soldiers Song’ complete the set.

Rocco Marshalls vocals are excellent throughout; they are crisp, clean and expressive. This is very evident on ‘Old Man’ where he delivers a gritty and emotional vocal to nicely compliment the excellent keyboard playing of David Jinnight.

The rocking ‘Coming Soon’ has a very good guitar duel between Leonard Jones and Rocco Marshall; the track is further enhanced by some very good ‘Tull-sounding flute. Pianist, Billy Powell’s best moments on the album are on ‘Standing In The Light’ where he is allowed to break away and express himself (and his considerable skills). The album’s final track is ‘Lord Is My Joy’; here there seems to be a looser feel to the music and it rocks along nicely with all of the musicians able to break out of any strict rigidity of some of the previous tracks.

Though Christian Rock isn’t my cup of tea, I did find the album very enjoyable. The music, singing, arrangements and production are all excellent; I just blotted out the actual lyrics.